How To Start Development In 3D Characters/Drawing?

There are many colleges with majors in animation and/or game design, much of which is 3D. And both of those areas, animation or game, use software that is nearly identical and are pretty interchangeable.

At your age, you might consider looking at what's available for free in terms of 3D modeling and animation software. Some of them kinda similar to the big expensive "industry standard" stuff companies like Blizzard use (Maya and/or 3D Studio Max).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_3D_modeling_s...

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d-modelling-...

I'm sure there are other software options out there as well if you look around online.

You'd no doubt learn those software packages in college, for now though, given their huge prices and your young age, look for something free (or cheap) to play with. That will at least get you a start on playing with and trying to learn a little bit of modeling/animation on your own, and would be a good head start to go into college with.

I also suggest going with free/cheap for the time being because modeling/animation technology is always advancing and it's always only a matter of time before software it outdated... Still useable, but upgrades on the expensive packages are also expensive. Once in college you'll likely be able to get a free or much cheaper student license for the software.

That said. Don't be surprised if it's not easy right off the bat, unless you found a very simple program most of them, esp those that are most similar to the big stuff companies/artists use, have a lot to them and take time to figure out. However, if you look online you may be able to find tutorials that should help.

If Blizzard is one you'd like to get in with then I'd certainly say keep an eye on what the company is doing over the coming years and try it when the time comes. However... It's fine to have them as a goal, but don't fall in love with the idea of only working for Blizzard and getting in with them immediately after college. Might it happen? Sure. But modeling/animation in truth is a very competitive field. Many people don't automatically get in with a big company and many don't easily just land that dream job with their dream company. Not trying to discourage you or anything, but it's important to understand that it will probably have it's challenges. Make sure you come out of college with a strong 'portfolio' to show those companies.

Always glad to hear of more girls trying to get into the animation/game stuff. (I'm a woman, despite my avatar.) Good luck with your intended career. Animation can be a lot of work, but it's also fun, too. :)

P.S. Might also consider if any schools have youth programs, esp in the summer, that might also teach the subject or at least touch on it.

Hello!

First off I want to congratulate on doing your research at such a young age, college is a big decision so I think it is awesome that you are preparing yourself for your education and career. Based on what you said it sounds like the Computer Animation degree might be a good for you. The Computer Animation degree studies modeling, animation, effects, and more. You can see a little more about the Computer Animation degree here: http://www.fullsail.edu/degrees/campus/computer-an... However, our degrees are set up so that every course builds off of the course before so we start off with pencil and paper basics and advance into more and more complicated courses. Since it sounds like animation is the area you want to go into I would recommend taking classes that give you a strong foundation in art and then branching off into animation activities. Actually in order to prepare you for the classes that you will take here at Full Sail our 3D Arts Department has created a site to help incoming students with their drawing skills through a series of video workshops. You can access these workshops at: http://beginningdrawing.fullsail.edu/beginning-dra...

I hope that helps a little bit and if we can help with any questions you have please let us know, or, to gain some first-hand perspective from other interested and current students of Full Sail University feel free to post on Full Sail’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/FullSailUniversity. Also, if you would like to chat with an Admissions Representative you are welcome to call: 800.226.7625 to speak with someone.

I hope that helps and whether you choose Full Sail or not best of luck in your educational pursuits.

Best,

Hannah M.

Full Sail University

Create Stunning 3D Animations : http://3danimationcartoons.com/?blcm